Wii U
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The Wii U is Nintendo's seventh home console – and the successor of the Wii – released on November 18th in North America, November 30th in Europe and Australia, and December 8th, 2012 in Japan. The primary feature of the Wii U is the Wii U GamePad, which features a 6.2-inch touchscreen. This screen can be used to provide different views into the game's world, and titles featuring Off-TV Play can be displayed entirely on it, leaving the television free to be used for something else while gaming.
The GamePad has the buttons of a standard controller, with dual analog sticks, triggers and D-pad, plus a front facing camera, microphone, Near Field Communication capability, gyroscope and accelerometer. It is able to function as a universal TV remote control that does not require the Wii U to be turned on.
The Wii U is backwards compatible with Wii software and controllers, meaning Wii games such as the New Play Control! versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 can be played on the Wii U. In addition, some games require the use of a Wii Remote, even if only for the additional players. GameCube games and accessories will have limited compatibility in the future.
Aside from its unique controller, it also has a secondary controller (sold separately) called the Wii U Pro Controller. This controller features the same button layout as the GamePad, but on a more compact design with no touchscreen, for use by the more "hardcore gamers". The Gamecube controller can also be used with purchase of an adapter, though it cannot be used with any Pikmin game.
Pikmin content
Pikmin 3
- Main article: Pikmin 3.
The third installment in the Pikmin series, Pikmin 3, was released on the Wii U in 2013. This game featured 2 new types of Pikmin, a new story involving new characters, and usage of the Wii U Gamepad for efficiency. Pikmin 3 can be purchased as a retail game or from the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo Land
- Main articles: Nintendo Land and Pikmin Adventure.
Nintendo Land was a launch title for the Wii U, and showcased the use of the Wii U Gamepad using different Nintendo IPs in games. A Pikmin game exists known as Pikmin Adventure, where players, consisting of one captain akin to Olimar and up to 4 other Pikmin as playable characters, traverse through levels, defeating robotic variants of standard Pikmin enemies.
Pikmin Short Movies
- Main article: Pikmin Short Movies.
The Pikmin Short Movies are short films which showcase close up interactions of Pikmin with each other and everyday objects. They were released on both 3DS and Wii U. On the 3DS, movies can be played in 3D, while on the Wii U, they are played in HD. They are available for purchase from the Nintendo eShop.
Miiverse
Miiverse is a form of social media built in the Wii U itself. Players can join communities for games, post screenshots and drawings, and even participate in contests on Miiverse. There are currently 2 Pikmin related communities on Miiverse: "Pikmin 3", which is used to share about the game itself and the Pikmin Short Movies, and "Pikmin 3: Developers' Room". This community is where Miyamoto and other developers release information on Pikmin 3, such as DLC Packs. Interviews with Miyamoto and contests are also announced here.
Other
While not directly a Pikmin game, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U features some Pikmin content and is on the Wii U.
When transferring data from Wii to Wii U, Pikmin are seen "carrying" the data over to a ship, which then "flies" to the Wii U. The Pikmin then carry data over to the Wii U system.
Gallery
A black Wii U.
The Wii U GamePad.
- Gamepad.jpg
The Wii U GamePad being used to display a level map in Pikmin 3.
